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The impact of exposure to armed conflict on altruistic and parochial preferences

Author

Listed:
  • Kibris, Arzu

    (Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick)

  • Pickard, Harry

    (Newcastle University Business School, Newcastle University)

  • Uler, Neslihan

    (Newcastle University Business School, Newcastle University)

Abstract

How does exposure to armed conflict shape individuals’ prosocial behavior toward different identity groups? We study this question using a natural experimental setting that exogenously exposes individuals to armed conflict while isolating individual level mechanisms from broader societal changes. Through an incentivized lab-in-the field donation experiment with a representative sample, we measure altruistic and parochial preferences. We show that conflict exposure significantly reduces donations to out-group recipients. Further analysis reveals this parochial effect stems primarily from war traumas. We identify several individual-level psychological mechanisms driving these results, including heightened negative perceptions of the out-group, increased aggression, and greater authoritarianism. Our findings demonstrate the lasting effects of violent conflict on prosocial behavior, with implications for social cohesion and post-conflict recovery.

Suggested Citation

  • Kibris, Arzu & Pickard, Harry & Uler, Neslihan, 2024. "The impact of exposure to armed conflict on altruistic and parochial preferences," QAPEC Discussion Papers 24, Quantitative and Analytical Political Economy Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:wqapec:24
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